TAMPA, Fla. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 4, 2012 — Michael Baker Jr., Inc., a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (NYSE MKT:BKR), has announced that Michael J. Simmons, P.E., has joined the firm as assistant vice president and construction engineering and inspection (CEI) manager for the Florida market. In this position, he will provide leadership in strategic planning, business development and marketing, client management, project execution, and quality oversight, as well as resource management for Baker’s construction management and inspection services in the state. Baker presently has seven offices in Florida.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the engineering and construction profession exclusive to the Florida transportation and infrastructure markets, Simmons has focused with great success on planning and execution of startup businesses and service expansion with emphasis on CEI. He has demonstrated the necessary business development skills and fortitude to endure the challenges common to market penetration strategies.

Baker’s Tom Zagorski, P.E., senior vice president of the firm’s Construction Services Group, said, “Baker is implementing an aggressive Construction Services organic growth strategy companywide. The Florida transportation CEI market penetration plan is a top priority and critical element of this strategy. Mike has the proven experience in Florida and is in an excellent position to carry our plan forward with a high probability of success. We are excited about him joining our team and leading this effort.”

Simmons will be located in Baker’s Tampa, Fla. office., He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Florida, and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Florida Engineering Society, Engineers Without Borders, and the National Society of Professional Engineers. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts and a MBA from St. Leo University. He also completed the Management and Supervision Certificate Program at the University of South Florida.

Michael Baker Corporation (
www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering, design, planning and construction services for its clients’ most complex challenges worldwide. The firm's primary business areas are architecture, aviation, defense, environmental, geospatial, homeland security, municipal & civil, oil & gas, rail & transit, telecommunications & utilities, transportation, urban development and water. With more than 3,000 employees in over 100 offices across the United States, Baker is focused on creating value by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and the environment.